Investing in clean energy can help economies recover from the slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as it will add more jobs than backing fossil fuels, researchers said on Monday.

"Green investments can be an important part of recovery packages, lead to job creation and positive economic outcomes, and help address climate change," said a report from the World Resources Institute (WRI), a U.S.-based think tank.

Yet in a bid to spur growth after millions lost work during coronavirus lockdowns worldwide, governments are spending more on carbon-heavy industries that neither address climate change concerns nor offer stability to workers, it warned.